Machu Picchu
Regarded as one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu stands as one of the remaining symbols of the Inca Empire. Also known as the “Lost City of the Inca,” Machu Picchu is located 8,040 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This once thriving city served as a sacred center and royal retreat for the Emperor Pachacuti, and features several temples and residential areas, in addition to terraced agricultural fields that give Machu Picchu its iconic “stair step” landscape. The site’s carefully preserved structures and majestic views continue to attract tourists, photographers, and historians making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
The Incan Emperor Pachacuti built Machu Picchu during the fifteenth century, and it existed as a prominent city until 1530 when the Spanish began to conquer the Inca Empire. The inhabitants eventually abandoned Machu Picchu, and it was not until 1911 that an American explorer named Hiram Bingham rediscovered the “Lost City of the Inca” and confirmed its existence to the world. Because the Spanish never located Machu Picchu, or at least never chose to invade it, Bingham found the site in nearly perfect condition except for the jungle vegetation that had begun to grow over the buildings and temples. After archaeologists worked to reclaim Machu Picchu from the surrounding foliage, visitors began flocking to the ancient city to take in its majestic views and experience the nostalgia of a bygone civilization.
The appeal of Machu Picchu and Inca culture to the modern world can be seen in the movie industry with films such as The Secret of the Incas and The Emperor’s New Groove drawing upon the history of the Inca Empire. The Secret of the Incas, which starred Charlton Heston as the leading man, is particularly significant since it was the first time that a major Hollywood studio filmed at Machu Picchu. The site continues to be a popular element of South American tourism and remains open to the public. However, because the government currently limits the number of visitors to Machu Picchu each day, purchasing tour tickets well in advance is recommended. For more information, visit: http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/index.html
Researched and Written by Ashley Goethe, Undergraduate Student in History, University of West Florida, LAH 3200 Spring 2012.
